The Diamondbacks’ offseason has been full of chatter, but if you’re hoping for a last-minute blockbuster involving Ketel Marte, don’t hold your breath. Despite the Red Sox missing out on Alex Bregman and pivoting to bolster their rotation with Ranger Suárez, the idea of Boston circling back to Arizona for Marte isn’t gaining traction-and for good reason.
Just over a week ago, D-backs GM Mike Hazen made it clear: the window for Marte trade talks is closed. He gave interested teams a deadline to make their best offers, and once that passed, so did any chance of a deal.
Hazen stood firm on principle, telling reporters, “We’ve already engaged in that process. I set the deadline for a reason, to avoid this.”
That wasn’t just a message to rival GMs-it was a commitment to Marte himself. Hazen called the veteran infielder directly to let him know the trade discussions were over, and the two plan to meet face-to-face before Spring Training.
Hazen emphasized that trust matters in this game, both in front offices and in the clubhouse. If a GM tells a player, “You’re not getting traded,” and then flips him a week later, what does that say to the rest of the roster?
So, to answer the popular question floating around since the latest free-agent dominoes fell: no, Marte is not back on the trade block. Barring something truly unforeseen, he’ll be in a Diamondbacks uniform when camp opens.
Outfield Picture Coming Into Focus
With Lourdes Gurriel Jr. expected to start the year on the injured list and Jake McCarthy now out of the picture following a trade, the D-backs’ outfield mix is wide open-and that’s where things get interesting.
Don’t assume this means a spot on the bench for Dominic Canzone Alexander. In fact, he’s expected to get the first crack at extended playing time in left field. While his outfield reps have been limited, he showed solid instincts in his short stints last season, and the team believes he can grow into the role.
He won’t be alone in the competition. Jordan Lawlar, Alek Thomas, and Jorge Barrosa are all in the mix for time in left and center. Each brings something different to the table-Lawlar’s athleticism, Thomas’ glove, Barrosa’s energy-and the spring will be a proving ground for them all.
And keep an eye on Ryan Waldschmidt. Ranked as the organization’s No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Waldschmidt will be in big league camp and could be a dark-horse candidate to break camp with the team. Even if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t get a look at the big-league level at some point this season.
Bullpen Still a Work in Progress
The D-backs have made a couple of under-the-radar moves to add bullpen depth, signing right-hander Taylor Clarke and bringing in Jonathan Loáisiga on a Minor League deal. These aren’t headline-grabbing acquisitions, but they’re part of a broader plan to build a bullpen that can evolve over the course of the season.
If you’re waiting for Arizona to land a proven closer, though, you might want to ease off the refresh button.
“Would I like to have somebody that has a clear pedigree of pitching in the eighth and ninth inning?” Hazen said.
“That’s an easier answer. I’m not sure what we’ll have access to in that way.”
Translation: they’re not ruling it out, but they’re not banking on it either. Instead, the D-backs are betting on internal growth and depth. As Hazen pointed out, the bullpen should naturally improve as the season goes on, with injured arms returning and young talent continuing to develop.
That group includes names like Drey Jameson, Juan Burgos, Andrew Hoffman, Andrew Saalfrank, and others-young pitchers with upside who could emerge as reliable late-inning options. Reliever performance can swing wildly from year to year, so don’t be surprised if one or two of these arms take a leap.
Kevin Ginkel is expected to be healthy for Opening Day, and if Ryan Thompson can bounce back from last year’s injuries and find the form he showed in 2023 and 2024, that’s another potential stabilizer at the back end.
What It All Means
The Diamondbacks aren’t chasing headlines-they’re building something steady. By holding firm on Marte, giving young outfielders a real shot, and piecing together a bullpen with upside, they’re positioning themselves for long-term success rather than short-term splashes.
Spring Training will bring clarity on some of these position battles, but the message from the front office is clear: trust, development, and internal growth are the pillars of this roster heading into 2026.